Trail hiker dies while swimming in Maine

BOWTOWN TWP, Maine (AP) -- The Maine Warden Service says a 20-year-old Appalachian Trail through-hiker has drowned while swimming in a rural western Maine pond.

Witnesses say the man had hiked nearly 20 miles earlier in the day and tried to swim across a small cove near the outlet of Pierce Pond in Bowtown Township in Somerset County.

The man went under about 35 yards from shore. Rescuers later located his body in nearly 15 feet of water, but couldn't retrieve him.

Wardens say the victim's name would not be released until his family is notified.